US7465075B2 - Lens assembly for an automobile light assembly having LED light source - Google Patents

Lens assembly for an automobile light assembly having LED light source Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US7465075B2
US7465075B2 US11/085,294 US8529405A US7465075B2 US 7465075 B2 US7465075 B2 US 7465075B2 US 8529405 A US8529405 A US 8529405A US 7465075 B2 US7465075 B2 US 7465075B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
lens member
light
radial
axial
light assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US11/085,294
Other versions
US20060209558A1 (en
Inventor
Jeyachandrabose Chinniah
Jeffrey Allen Erion
Chris L. Eichelberger
John Li
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Varroc Lighting Systems sro
Original Assignee
Visteon Global Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to US11/085,294 priority Critical patent/US7465075B2/en
Assigned to VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. reassignment VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHINNIAH, JEYACHANDRABOSE, EICHELBERGER, CHRISTOPHER L., ERION, JEFFREY ALLEN, LI, JOHN
Application filed by Visteon Global Technologies Inc filed Critical Visteon Global Technologies Inc
Publication of US20060209558A1 publication Critical patent/US20060209558A1/en
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US7465075B2 publication Critical patent/US7465075B2/en
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Assigned to WILMINGTON TRUST FSB, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment WILMINGTON TRUST FSB, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Assignors: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Assigned to THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ASSIGNMENT OF PATENT SECURITY INTEREST Assignors: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION
Assigned to VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. reassignment VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT REEL 022974 FRAME 0057 Assignors: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
Assigned to VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. reassignment VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT REEL 022575 FRAME 0186 Assignors: WILMINGTON TRUST FSB, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Assigned to MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC., AS AGENT reassignment MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC., AS AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (REVOLVER) Assignors: VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC, VISTEON CORPORATION, VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, VISTEON EUROPEAN HOLDINGS, INC., VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., VISTEON GLOBAL TREASURY, INC., VISTEON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, INC., VISTEON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., VISTEON SYSTEMS, LLC
Assigned to MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC., AS AGENT reassignment MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC., AS AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC, VISTEON CORPORATION, VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, VISTEON EUROPEAN HOLDING, INC., VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., VISTEON GLOBAL TREASURY, INC., VISTEON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, INC., VISTEON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., VISTEON SYSTEMS, LLC
Assigned to VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC, VISTEON SYSTEMS, LLC, VISTEON EUROPEAN HOLDING, INC., VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, VISTEON CORPORATION, VISTEON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, INC., VISTEON GLOBAL TREASURY, INC., VISTEON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. reassignment VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317 Assignors: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Assigned to VARROCCORP HOLDING BV, VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED, VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O. reassignment VARROCCORP HOLDING BV ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Assigned to VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED, VARROCCORP HOLDING BV, VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O. reassignment VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED AMENDMENT TO ASSIGNMENT Assignors: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Assigned to VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O. reassignment VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED, VARROCCORP HOLDING BV
Assigned to VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, VISTEON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, INC., VISTEON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., VISTEON EUROPEAN HOLDINGS, INC., VISTEON GLOBAL TREASURY, INC., VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., VISTEON SYSTEMS, LLC, VISTEON CORPORATION, VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC reassignment VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Assignors: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to lens assemblies for automotive light assemblies, and more particularly relates to lens assemblies structured for use with a LED light source.
  • LEDs Light emitting diodes
  • NNL's Near field lenses
  • Additional optic power may be added to the NFL to create a certain desired beam pattern.
  • Existing NFL's have very high light collection efficiency (typically 70-90%) regardless of their size, but the output beam size for a given source depends on the size of the lens. The larger the lens size (i.e. the larger the starting focal length of the lens), the smaller of the output beam size and the higher the peak intensity.
  • manufacturing larger lenses poses complex molding issues and takes higher molding cycle time, thus requiring expensive molding tools and processes.
  • the present invention provides a light assembly having a lens assembly that overcomes the drawbacks noted above by splitting the function of a near field lens into two components.
  • the first component is an inner lens
  • the second component may be a reflector or a second lens.
  • the light assembly comprises a LED light source, a first lens member and a second member.
  • the first lens member has a recess receiving the LED light source.
  • the first lens member includes a radial portion and an axial portion.
  • the second member has an interior space receiving the first lens member.
  • the second member defines a reflecting surface. The reflecting surface of the second member receives light passing through the radial portion of the first lens member and directs the light downstream along the longitudinal axis.
  • the axial portion of the first lens member includes beam focusing optics.
  • the axial portion defines an inner axial surface, wherein the inner axial surface is structured as a Fresnel lens (which reduces thickness), a conical surface, or a free-form surface.
  • the axial portion defines an outer axial surface as well, and one of the inner and outer axial surfaces may be curved to focus the light.
  • the axial portion of the first lens member may also include beam spreading optics such as a plurality of pillows on the outer axial surface.
  • the radial portion defines an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, and the inner radial surface is preferably flat.
  • the inner radial surface is positioned to reflect light passing therethrough.
  • the outer radial surface is preferably curved in a manner to permit light to pass directly through the outer radial surface with minimal refraction. Alternatively, the inner and outer radial surfaces may both be curved.
  • the second member may be a reflector or a lens.
  • the second lens member defines an interior passageway extending through the second lens member which receives the first lens member.
  • the interior passageway defines an interior surface which is structured to refract light from the first lens member.
  • the interior surface is flat in the axial direction.
  • the area interior surface may be structured to match an exterior radial surface of the radial portion of the first lens member, thereby permitting light to pass directly through the interior surface with minimal refraction.
  • the second lens member has an outer surface forming the reflecting surface which uses the principle of total internal reflection.
  • the reflector preferably has a bowl shape defining an interior surface forming the reflecting surface.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light assembly and lens assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first lens member of the lens assembly
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the first lens member depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the light assembly and lens assembly depicted in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of the light assembly with the inner lens of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a light assembly 20 having a lens assembly 30 for an automotive lighting application.
  • the light assembly 20 generally includes a LED light source 22 having a cover lens 23 and generating light from a source point 24 downstream along a longitudinal axis 26 .
  • the lens assembly 30 collects and collimates the light from the LED light source 22 for generating a desired beam pattern for the particular automotive lighting application. Unnumbered lined arrows have been used throughout the application to depict the path of traveling light.
  • the lens assembly 30 generally includes a first lens member 32 and a second lens member 34 .
  • the second lens member 34 includes an interior passageway 36 defined by a conically shaped interior surface 38 .
  • the first lens member 32 directs a portion of the light straight through the internal passageway 36 without entering the second lens member 34 .
  • a second portion of the light passes through the interior surface 38 , and due to the shape of the outer surface 40 of the second lens member 34 the light is reflected via total internal reflection and redirected longitudinally downstream and through the axial end surface 42 of the second lens member 34 .
  • the outer surface 40 of the second lens member 34 may include a reflective coating formed thereon (i.e. such as an aluminum coating) to further assist with the reflection of the light or to permit a different curvature or structure to be given to the outer surface 40 of the second lens member 34 .
  • a reflective coating formed thereon i.e. such as an aluminum coating
  • the first lens member 32 defines a recess 44 receiving the LED light source 22 .
  • the first lens member 32 thus comprises a radial portion 45 connected to an axial portion 47 .
  • the radial portion 45 is generally defined by an inner radial surface 46 and an outer radial surface 50 .
  • the axial portion 47 is generally defined by an inner axial surface 48 and an outer axial surface 52 .
  • the recess 44 is generally defined by the inner radial surface 46 and the inner axial surface 48 .
  • the axial portion 47 has been formed as a Fresnel lens, the structure of which is well known in the art.
  • the inner axial surface 48 is comprised of a series of arcuate channels 54
  • the outer axial surface 47 is flat and planar, and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 26 .
  • the term generally perpendicular means line or surface that is within about 3 degrees of true perpendicularity.
  • the inner radial surface 46 is generally flat, and more particularly is conical or tapered as it extends longitudinally downstream. As such, light passing through the inner radial surface 46 will be refracted as shown by the arrows indicating the light path.
  • the outer radial surface 50 has been structured in a free form curvature (i.e. numerically generated) such that the light passing through the radial portion 45 , as refracted by the radial inner surface 46 , is permitted to pass directly through the outer radial surface 50 with zero refraction for a point source and minimal refraction for a finite source.
  • the term minimal refraction refers to a range of refraction between 0 and 3 degrees.
  • the axial portion 47 of the first lens member 32 serves as a focusing lens to direct the light longitudinally downstream and through the interior passageway 36 of the second lens member 34 .
  • This light can assist in forming a “hot spot” in the resulting beam pattern.
  • light passing through the radial portion 45 is redirected towards the second lens member 34 , and in particular the interior surface 38 .
  • the radial portion 45 of the first lens member 32 and the second lens member 34 are structured and positioned relative to one another to collect a substantial portion of the light, collimate the light, and redirect the light longitudinally downstream via total internal reflection.
  • the flat and conical interior surface 38 refracts the light, which is then reflected by the outer surface 40 and directed downstream.
  • the first lens member 132 generally includes a radial portion 145 and an axial portion 147 .
  • the radial portion 145 includes a curved inner radial surface 146 .
  • the curvature of the inner and outer radial surfaces 146 , 150 may be structured so that the light passing therethrough is only minimally refracted, or may be structured to refract the light in a manner acceptable for use by the second lens member, which is structured according to the principles described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 .
  • the axial portion 147 includes an inner axial surface 148 that is curved to form a lens for collimating the light.
  • the inner axial surface 148 could be flat, as shown by dotted line 148 a while the outer axial surface 152 includes a curvature for focusing the light rays.
  • the axial portion 147 has been shown as generally including beam focusing optics such as the Fresnel lens of FIG. 2 , or the lens 148 of FIG. 3
  • the axial portion may also include beam spreading optics.
  • the outer axial surface 152 has been shown as including plurality of pillows 156 .
  • such pillows or flutes serve to spread the light passing through the axial portion 147 , and generally create a beam pattern which is ideal for applications such as brake lights, tail lights and the like.
  • the beam spreading optics 156 have been shown used in conjunction with a beam focusing optics 148 in FIG. 3 , it will be recognized that the beam spreading optics 156 can be used alone (i.e. in conjunction with a flat axial inner surface 148 a ).
  • the LED light source 220 generates light from a point or origin 224 which is collected and directed by first lens member 232 in a substantially similar fashion as the prior embodiments.
  • the second lens member 234 includes an interior passageway 236 defined by an interior surface 238 that is structured to match the outer surface 250 of the first lens member 232 . That is, the interior surface 238 may be structured such that all light it receives from the first lens member 232 passes directly through the interior surface 238 with minimal refraction.
  • the interior surface 238 has been divided into an upstream portion 238 a and a downstream portion 238 b .
  • the upstream portion 238 a is given a curvature which matches the curvature of the outer radial surface 250 of the first lens member 232 .
  • the downstream portion 238 b may then be made simply cylindrical, or alternatively could be conical as in the prior embodiment.
  • the entire interior surface 238 may be given a curvature, typically a free-form curvature, which is structured to correspond to the path of light passing through the radial portion of the first lens member 232 , resulting in minimal refraction of the light through the interior surface 238 .
  • the second lens member 234 includes an outer surface 240 which serves to reflect and collimate the light longitudinally downstream along the longitudinal axis 226 .
  • the light assembly 320 and lens assembly 330 include an LED light source 322 generating light from origin 324 through a first lens member 332 , all of which may be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and the prior embodiments.
  • the second lens member has been replaced with a reflector 334 .
  • the reflector 334 has a general bowl shape and includes an interior surface 335 defining an interior chamber 336 which receives the first lens member 332 .
  • the interior surface 335 is structured to include a plurality of facets which result in a redirection of the light emitted from the first lens member 332 with some predetermined beam spread characteristics, such as is shown by the lined arrows of FIG. 5 . It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a number of types of reflectors 334 may be used to generate the desired beam pattern for the particular automotive application.
  • an automotive light assembly having a lens assembly that overcomes the drawbacks of forming a single NFL of a relatively large size (i.e. a larger focal length) by splitting the function of the lens into a first lens member and a second member.
  • the lenses may be formed by conventional techniques and conventional tools.
  • the present invention provides smaller output beam size and higher peak intensity, as well as increased flexibility, without the complex molding issues and expensive tools and processes.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

A light assembly is provided having a lens assembly that splits the function of a near field lens into two components, thereby permitting a manufacturable lens that achieves the desired beam size and intensity. At the same time, increased flexibility and control over the beam spread characteristics is achieved. The first component is an inner lens, while the second component may be a reflector or a second lens.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to lens assemblies for automotive light assemblies, and more particularly relates to lens assemblies structured for use with a LED light source.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Light emitting diodes (LED's) are fast becoming the preferable light source for automotive lighting applications, as they consume less power but provide light output which is becoming acceptable for such applications. Near field lenses (NFL's) are used to collect as well as to collimate the light from a LED source. Additional optic power may be added to the NFL to create a certain desired beam pattern. Existing NFL's have very high light collection efficiency (typically 70-90%) regardless of their size, but the output beam size for a given source depends on the size of the lens. The larger the lens size (i.e. the larger the starting focal length of the lens), the smaller of the output beam size and the higher the peak intensity. However, manufacturing larger lenses poses complex molding issues and takes higher molding cycle time, thus requiring expensive molding tools and processes.
Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a lighting assembly having a lens that provides the output beam size and peak intensity for automotive applications, while reducing the time, cost and complexity of manufacture.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a light assembly having a lens assembly that overcomes the drawbacks noted above by splitting the function of a near field lens into two components. The first component is an inner lens, while the second component may be a reflector or a second lens.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a light assembly directing light along a longitudinal axis. The light assembly comprises a LED light source, a first lens member and a second member. The first lens member has a recess receiving the LED light source. The first lens member includes a radial portion and an axial portion. The second member has an interior space receiving the first lens member. The second member defines a reflecting surface. The reflecting surface of the second member receives light passing through the radial portion of the first lens member and directs the light downstream along the longitudinal axis.
According to more detailed aspects, the axial portion of the first lens member includes beam focusing optics. Preferably, the axial portion defines an inner axial surface, wherein the inner axial surface is structured as a Fresnel lens (which reduces thickness), a conical surface, or a free-form surface. The axial portion defines an outer axial surface as well, and one of the inner and outer axial surfaces may be curved to focus the light. The axial portion of the first lens member may also include beam spreading optics such as a plurality of pillows on the outer axial surface. The radial portion defines an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, and the inner radial surface is preferably flat. The inner radial surface is positioned to reflect light passing therethrough. The outer radial surface is preferably curved in a manner to permit light to pass directly through the outer radial surface with minimal refraction. Alternatively, the inner and outer radial surfaces may both be curved.
According to further detailed aspects, the second member may be a reflector or a lens. When the second member is a lens, the second lens member defines an interior passageway extending through the second lens member which receives the first lens member. The interior passageway defines an interior surface which is structured to refract light from the first lens member. Preferably the interior surface is flat in the axial direction. Alternatively the area interior surface may be structured to match an exterior radial surface of the radial portion of the first lens member, thereby permitting light to pass directly through the interior surface with minimal refraction. The second lens member has an outer surface forming the reflecting surface which uses the principle of total internal reflection. When the second member is a reflector, the reflector preferably has a bowl shape defining an interior surface forming the reflecting surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light assembly and lens assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first lens member of the lens assembly;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the first lens member depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the light assembly and lens assembly depicted in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of the light assembly with the inner lens of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a light assembly 20 having a lens assembly 30 for an automotive lighting application. The light assembly 20 generally includes a LED light source 22 having a cover lens 23 and generating light from a source point 24 downstream along a longitudinal axis 26. The lens assembly 30 collects and collimates the light from the LED light source 22 for generating a desired beam pattern for the particular automotive lighting application. Unnumbered lined arrows have been used throughout the application to depict the path of traveling light.
The lens assembly 30 generally includes a first lens member 32 and a second lens member 34. The second lens member 34 includes an interior passageway 36 defined by a conically shaped interior surface 38. As will be discussed in more detail below, the first lens member 32 directs a portion of the light straight through the internal passageway 36 without entering the second lens member 34. A second portion of the light passes through the interior surface 38, and due to the shape of the outer surface 40 of the second lens member 34 the light is reflected via total internal reflection and redirected longitudinally downstream and through the axial end surface 42 of the second lens member 34.
It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that the outer surface 40 of the second lens member 34 may include a reflective coating formed thereon (i.e. such as an aluminum coating) to further assist with the reflection of the light or to permit a different curvature or structure to be given to the outer surface 40 of the second lens member 34.
Additional details of the first lens member 32 will now be described will reference to FIG. 2. As shown, the first lens member 32 defines a recess 44 receiving the LED light source 22. The first lens member 32 thus comprises a radial portion 45 connected to an axial portion 47. The radial portion 45 is generally defined by an inner radial surface 46 and an outer radial surface 50. Similarly, the axial portion 47 is generally defined by an inner axial surface 48 and an outer axial surface 52. Accordingly, the recess 44 is generally defined by the inner radial surface 46 and the inner axial surface 48.
As light emanates from the light source origin 24, a portion of the light will pass through the axial portion 47. In this embodiment, the axial portion 47 has been formed as a Fresnel lens, the structure of which is well known in the art. Briefly stated, the inner axial surface 48 is comprised of a series of arcuate channels 54, while the outer axial surface 47 is flat and planar, and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 26. As used herein, the term generally perpendicular means line or surface that is within about 3 degrees of true perpendicularity.
Another portion of the light emanating from origin point 24 will pass through the radial portion 45 of the first lens member 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner radial surface 46 is generally flat, and more particularly is conical or tapered as it extends longitudinally downstream. As such, light passing through the inner radial surface 46 will be refracted as shown by the arrows indicating the light path. The outer radial surface 50 has been structured in a free form curvature (i.e. numerically generated) such that the light passing through the radial portion 45, as refracted by the radial inner surface 46, is permitted to pass directly through the outer radial surface 50 with zero refraction for a point source and minimal refraction for a finite source. As used herein, the term minimal refraction refers to a range of refraction between 0 and 3 degrees.
Referring back to FIG. 1, it can therefore be seen that the axial portion 47 of the first lens member 32 serves as a focusing lens to direct the light longitudinally downstream and through the interior passageway 36 of the second lens member 34. This light can assist in forming a “hot spot” in the resulting beam pattern. Additionally, light passing through the radial portion 45 is redirected towards the second lens member 34, and in particular the interior surface 38. The radial portion 45 of the first lens member 32 and the second lens member 34 are structured and positioned relative to one another to collect a substantial portion of the light, collimate the light, and redirect the light longitudinally downstream via total internal reflection. Here, the flat and conical interior surface 38 refracts the light, which is then reflected by the outer surface 40 and directed downstream.
Turning now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of the first lens member 132 is depicted. As in the prior embodiment, the first lens member 132 generally includes a radial portion 145 and an axial portion 147. However, in this embodiment the radial portion 145 includes a curved inner radial surface 146. The curvature of the inner and outer radial surfaces 146, 150 may be structured so that the light passing therethrough is only minimally refracted, or may be structured to refract the light in a manner acceptable for use by the second lens member, which is structured according to the principles described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2.
It can also be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 3 that the axial portion 147 includes an inner axial surface 148 that is curved to form a lens for collimating the light. However, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the inner axial surface 148 could be flat, as shown by dotted line 148 a while the outer axial surface 152 includes a curvature for focusing the light rays.
It will also be recognized that while the axial portion 147 has been shown as generally including beam focusing optics such as the Fresnel lens of FIG. 2, or the lens 148 of FIG. 3, the axial portion may also include beam spreading optics. As one example, the outer axial surface 152 has been shown as including plurality of pillows 156. As is known in the art, such pillows or flutes serve to spread the light passing through the axial portion 147, and generally create a beam pattern which is ideal for applications such as brake lights, tail lights and the like. While the beam spreading optics 156 have been shown used in conjunction with a beam focusing optics 148 in FIG. 3, it will be recognized that the beam spreading optics 156 can be used alone (i.e. in conjunction with a flat axial inner surface 148 a).
Yet another alternate embodiment of the light assembly 220 and lens assembly 230 is depicted in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the LED light source 220 generates light from a point or origin 224 which is collected and directed by first lens member 232 in a substantially similar fashion as the prior embodiments. However, in this embodiment the second lens member 234 includes an interior passageway 236 defined by an interior surface 238 that is structured to match the outer surface 250 of the first lens member 232. That is, the interior surface 238 may be structured such that all light it receives from the first lens member 232 passes directly through the interior surface 238 with minimal refraction. In the embodiment depicted, the interior surface 238 has been divided into an upstream portion 238 a and a downstream portion 238 b. The upstream portion 238 a is given a curvature which matches the curvature of the outer radial surface 250 of the first lens member 232. The downstream portion 238 b may then be made simply cylindrical, or alternatively could be conical as in the prior embodiment. Furthermore, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that depending upon the structure of the radial portion of the first lens member 232, the entire interior surface 238 may be given a curvature, typically a free-form curvature, which is structured to correspond to the path of light passing through the radial portion of the first lens member 232, resulting in minimal refraction of the light through the interior surface 238. As with the prior embodiments, the second lens member 234 includes an outer surface 240 which serves to reflect and collimate the light longitudinally downstream along the longitudinal axis 226.
A final embodiment has been depicted in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the light assembly 320 and lens assembly 330 include an LED light source 322 generating light from origin 324 through a first lens member 332, all of which may be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and the prior embodiments. However, in this embodiment the second lens member has been replaced with a reflector 334. The reflector 334 has a general bowl shape and includes an interior surface 335 defining an interior chamber 336 which receives the first lens member 332. Preferably, the interior surface 335 is structured to include a plurality of facets which result in a redirection of the light emitted from the first lens member 332 with some predetermined beam spread characteristics, such as is shown by the lined arrows of FIG. 5. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a number of types of reflectors 334 may be used to generate the desired beam pattern for the particular automotive application.
By way of the present invention, an automotive light assembly is provided having a lens assembly that overcomes the drawbacks of forming a single NFL of a relatively large size (i.e. a larger focal length) by splitting the function of the lens into a first lens member and a second member. In this manner, the lenses may be formed by conventional techniques and conventional tools. Further, with members, more flexibility and opportunity to adjust or impact the beam spread characteristics is possible. Thus, the present invention provides smaller output beam size and higher peak intensity, as well as increased flexibility, without the complex molding issues and expensive tools and processes.
The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims (24)

1. A light assembly for an automotive lighting application, the light assembly directing light along a longitudinal axis, the light assembly comprising:
a LED light source having a cover lens;
a first lens member having a recess receiving the LED light source, the first lens member including a radial portion and an axial portion defining the recess;
a second lens member having an interior space receiving the first lens member, an outer surface of the second lens member defining a reflecting surface; and
the reflecting surface of the second lens member receiving light passing through the radial portion of the first lens member and through an inner surface of the second lens member, the reflecting surface directing the light downstream along the longitudinal axis through the second lens member.
2. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the axial portion of the first lens member includes beam focusing optics.
3. The light assembly of claim 2, wherein the axial portion defines an inner axial surface, and wherein the inner axial surface is structured as a Fresnel lens.
4. The light assembly of claim 2, the axial portion defines an inner axial surface and an outer axial surface, and wherein one of the inner and outer axial surfaces is curved to focus the light.
5. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the axial portion of the first lens member includes beam spreading optics.
6. The light assembly of claim 5, wherein the axial portion of the first lens member defines an outer axial surface, and wherein the outer axial surface includes a plurality of pillows.
7. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the radial portion defines an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, and wherein the inner radial surface is flat in the axial direction.
8. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the radial portion defines an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, and wherein the inner radial surface is positioned to refract light passing therethrough.
9. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the radial portion defines an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, and wherein the outer radial surface is curved.
10. The light assembly of claim 9, wherein the curvature of the outer radial surface is structured to permit light to pass directly through the outer radial surface with minimal refraction.
11. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the radial portion defines an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, and wherein the inner and outer radial surfaces are both curved.
12. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lens member is not a component of the LED light source.
13. A light assembly for an automotive lighting application, the light assembly directing light along a longitudinal axis, the light assembly comprising:
a LED light source having a cover lens;
a first lens member having a recess receiving the LED light source, the first lens member including a radial portion and an axial portion;
a second lens member defining an axial end surface and an outer radial surface, the second lens member having an interior passageway extending through the axial end surface of the second lens member, the interior passageway receiving the first lens member,
the outer radial surface of the second member structured and positioned relative to the first lens member to receive light passing through the radial portion of the first lens member and direct the light downstream along the longitudinal axis.
14. The light assembly of claim 13, wherein the interior passageway defines an interior surface, and wherein the interior surface is structured to refract light from the first lens member.
15. The light assembly of claim 13, wherein the interior surface is flat in the axial direction.
16. The light assembly of claim 13, wherein the interior passageway defines an interior surface, and wherein the interior surface is structured to match an exterior radial surface of the radial portion of the first lens member, whereby light passes directly through the interior surface with minimal refraction.
17. The light assembly of claim 13, wherein the interior passageway narrows in the downstream direction.
18. A lens assembly for a LED light source, the lens assembly comprising:
a first lens member having a recess receiving the LED light source, the first lens member including a radial portion and an axial portion defining the recess, the radial portion being angled relative to the axial portion, the axial portion refracting light passing therethrough;
a second member having an interior space receiving the first lens member, the second member defining a reflecting surface; and
the reflecting surface of the second member receiving light passing through the radial portion of the first lens member and reflecting the light downstream along the longitudinal axis.
19. The light assembly of claim 18, wherein the second member is a reflector having a bowl shape defining an interior surface forming the reflecting surface.
20. The light assembly of claim 18, wherein the second member is a lens having an outer surface forming the reflecting surface.
21. The light assembly of claim 18, wherein the radial portion defines an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, and wherein the inner radial surface is flat in the axial direction.
22. The light assembly of claim 18, wherein the axial portion of the first lens member includes beam focusing optics.
23. The light assembly of claim 18, wherein an inner axial surface of the axial portion meets an inner radial surface of the radial portion along an annular line.
24. The light assembly of claim 18, wherein the second member does not receive light passing through the axial portion of the first lens member.
US11/085,294 2005-03-21 2005-03-21 Lens assembly for an automobile light assembly having LED light source Expired - Fee Related US7465075B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/085,294 US7465075B2 (en) 2005-03-21 2005-03-21 Lens assembly for an automobile light assembly having LED light source

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/085,294 US7465075B2 (en) 2005-03-21 2005-03-21 Lens assembly for an automobile light assembly having LED light source

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060209558A1 US20060209558A1 (en) 2006-09-21
US7465075B2 true US7465075B2 (en) 2008-12-16

Family

ID=37010105

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/085,294 Expired - Fee Related US7465075B2 (en) 2005-03-21 2005-03-21 Lens assembly for an automobile light assembly having LED light source

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US7465075B2 (en)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090268166A1 (en) * 2008-04-29 2009-10-29 Himax Display, Inc. Projection system
US20100079980A1 (en) * 2008-10-01 2010-04-01 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Planar light source device and display apparatus incorporating same
US20100097809A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2010-04-22 Reflexite Corporation Condensing element, array, and methods thereof
US20100124055A1 (en) * 2008-11-18 2010-05-20 Reflexite Corporation Side-emitting optical elements and methods thereof
US20110273882A1 (en) * 2010-05-10 2011-11-10 Cree, Inc. Optical element for a light source and lighting system using same
US20110292670A1 (en) * 2010-06-01 2011-12-01 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lamp
US20120069576A1 (en) * 2010-09-17 2012-03-22 Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc. Lens and light source module
DE102010054923A1 (en) 2010-12-17 2012-06-21 Volkswagen Ag Lighting device e.g. tail lamp, for vehicle to emit light in vehicle traveling direction, has surface light conductor coupled to light source such that light emitted from light source is diffused to provide interior lighting function
US20120224367A1 (en) * 2011-03-03 2012-09-06 Tetsuo Ariyoshi Light diffusion lenses and lighting fixtures having the same
CN102788300A (en) * 2011-05-20 2012-11-21 现代摩比斯株式会社 Vehicle lamp
US20140226354A1 (en) * 2013-02-12 2014-08-14 Hella Kgaa Optical system for an illumination device for vehicles
US9435504B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2016-09-06 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Apparatus for radiating light from a virtual source
US9759402B2 (en) * 2014-10-06 2017-09-12 Amerlux Llc Optical system
US10619829B2 (en) * 2017-07-10 2020-04-14 Current Lighting Soutions, Llc Replaceable LED light source for an LED traffic signal application
US10677415B1 (en) 2014-10-06 2020-06-09 Amerlux Llc Optical system

Families Citing this family (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7410282B2 (en) * 2005-10-25 2008-08-12 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Bi-functional headlight module
CN101351891B (en) 2005-12-22 2014-11-19 科锐公司 Lighting device
US8441179B2 (en) 2006-01-20 2013-05-14 Cree, Inc. Lighting devices having remote lumiphors that are excited by lumiphor-converted semiconductor excitation sources
WO2007084640A2 (en) 2006-01-20 2007-07-26 Cree Led Lighting Solutions, Inc. Shifting spectral content in solid state light emitters by spatially separating lumiphor films
US20080198572A1 (en) * 2007-02-21 2008-08-21 Medendorp Nicholas W LED lighting systems including luminescent layers on remote reflectors
US7554742B2 (en) * 2007-04-17 2009-06-30 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Lens assembly
US20080310028A1 (en) * 2007-06-18 2008-12-18 Jeyachandrabose Chinniah Near field lens for a light assembly
EP2078973B1 (en) * 2008-01-10 2013-02-13 Wookang Tech. Co., Ltd. Bar-shaped LED lighting device
JP2010205713A (en) * 2008-06-27 2010-09-16 Seiko Instruments Inc Lighting device, and display device using the same
TWI384651B (en) * 2008-08-20 2013-02-01 Au Optronics Corp A light emitting diodes structure and a light emitting diodes structure forming method
EP2172696B1 (en) * 2008-09-29 2014-04-30 C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni Lighting device having a rectangular illuminance pattern
KR20100073806A (en) * 2008-12-23 2010-07-01 삼성전자주식회사 Collimate lens assembly
US8576406B1 (en) 2009-02-25 2013-11-05 Physical Optics Corporation Luminaire illumination system and method
US8466611B2 (en) 2009-12-14 2013-06-18 Cree, Inc. Lighting device with shaped remote phosphor
US8851721B2 (en) * 2010-07-20 2014-10-07 Magna International, Inc. Hybrid projector LED low beam headlamp
TWI470167B (en) * 2012-03-02 2015-01-21 Light source device with outer lens and light source system using the same
US9416937B2 (en) 2012-06-06 2016-08-16 Coast Cutlery Co. Thin profile lens for flashlight
US9416938B2 (en) 2012-06-06 2016-08-16 Coast Cutlery Co. Integrated optic and bezel for flashlight
US20130329410A1 (en) * 2012-06-06 2013-12-12 Coast Cutlery Company Focusing optic for flashlight
TWI525292B (en) * 2013-05-03 2016-03-11 瑞儀光電股份有限公司 Light guide element for controlling light shape and lamp
US9903992B2 (en) * 2013-05-03 2018-02-27 Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation Lamp
US9599310B2 (en) * 2013-05-03 2017-03-21 Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation Light guide element for controlling light distribution and lamp
EP2984398B1 (en) * 2013-05-30 2018-07-04 BYD Company Limited Lamp and vehicle comprising the same
CN104279508A (en) * 2013-07-12 2015-01-14 欧司朗有限公司 Lens used for light source
TW201525363A (en) * 2013-12-18 2015-07-01 Tyc Brother Ind Co Ltd Light concentration light guiding device
CN107166187A (en) * 2017-06-08 2017-09-15 欧普照明股份有限公司 Lighting device
EP3564580B1 (en) * 2017-02-15 2022-02-09 Opple Lighting Co., Ltd. Reflection apparatus, light source module and illumination apparatus

Citations (42)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4577260A (en) * 1982-06-24 1986-03-18 Britax Vega Limited Vehicle lamp assemblies
US4698730A (en) * 1986-08-01 1987-10-06 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Light-emitting diode
US4767172A (en) * 1983-01-28 1988-08-30 Xerox Corporation Collector for an LED array
US4927248A (en) 1988-04-08 1990-05-22 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp lens having Fresnel lens
US4972302A (en) 1988-07-18 1990-11-20 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp having inner lens and reflector
US5081564A (en) 1989-07-11 1992-01-14 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lighting device
US5440456A (en) 1993-05-08 1995-08-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Headlight for vehicles
US5757557A (en) * 1997-06-09 1998-05-26 Tir Technologies, Inc. Beam-forming lens with internal cavity that prevents front losses
US5947587A (en) 1996-10-16 1999-09-07 U.S. Philips Corporation Signal lamp with LEDs
US6075652A (en) 1995-02-17 2000-06-13 Washi Kosan Co., Ltd. Convex-microgranular surface structure
US6129447A (en) * 1998-01-29 2000-10-10 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Automobile lamp
US6139147A (en) 1998-11-20 2000-10-31 Novartis Ag Actively controllable multifocal lens
US6292293B1 (en) 1999-06-25 2001-09-18 Raytheon Company Wide-angle infrared lens and detector with internal aperture stop and associated method
US6327086B1 (en) 1996-07-09 2001-12-04 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Optical diffraction device and exposure apparatus
US6334702B1 (en) 1997-08-11 2002-01-01 Valeo Vision Headlight with fixed and moveable coaxial reflectors for producing a variable beam
US6352359B1 (en) 1998-08-25 2002-03-05 Physical Optics Corporation Vehicle light assembly including a diffuser surface structure
US6367954B1 (en) 1999-09-14 2002-04-09 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Multi-lens projector lamp
US6402355B1 (en) 1999-08-19 2002-06-11 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular headlamp having improved low-beam illumination
US20020080615A1 (en) * 2000-12-22 2002-06-27 Thomas Marshall LED collimation optics with improved performance and reduced size
US20020093820A1 (en) 1999-08-04 2002-07-18 Pederson John C. Led reflector
US20020126400A1 (en) 1999-12-29 2002-09-12 Wemer Muller-Rissmann Optical arrangement
US20020136022A1 (en) 2001-01-22 2002-09-26 Ichikoh Industries, Ltd. Lamp device for vehicle
US6471375B2 (en) * 1997-05-14 2002-10-29 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Flood lamp with improved light energy utilization
US6536918B1 (en) 2000-08-23 2003-03-25 General Electric Company Lighting system for generating pre-determined beam-pattern
US6543923B2 (en) 2000-08-02 2003-04-08 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp
US20030067784A1 (en) 2001-10-05 2003-04-10 Schefenacker Visions Systems Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg Reflector for a light assembly, such as a taillight, a headlight, or an interior light, of a motor vehicle
US20030123159A1 (en) 2001-03-09 2003-07-03 Masayuki Morita Diffraction lens element and lighting system using the lens element
US6604843B2 (en) 2000-12-20 2003-08-12 Hyperboloid Corporation Searchlight with improved optical density
US6616299B2 (en) 2001-02-02 2003-09-09 Gelcore Llc Single optical element LED signal
US6626565B2 (en) 2001-01-16 2003-09-30 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle headlamp
US20030218882A1 (en) 2002-04-18 2003-11-27 Wirth Hans Joachim Lighting device for motor vehicles
US6724543B1 (en) * 2002-10-23 2004-04-20 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Light collection assembly having mixed conic shapes for use with various light emitting sources
US6726346B2 (en) 2000-08-07 2004-04-27 Cateye Co., Ltd. Headlight
US6757109B2 (en) 1999-07-27 2004-06-29 Donnelly Corporation Plastic lens system for vehicle imaging system
US20040130904A1 (en) 2002-10-24 2004-07-08 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular marker lamp
US20040145899A1 (en) 2003-01-28 2004-07-29 Riebling Michael L. In-grade light fixture with hydraulic isolation
US6814475B2 (en) 2001-09-19 2004-11-09 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Led-type vehicular lamp having uniform brightness
US6814480B2 (en) 2001-08-15 2004-11-09 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. LED-type vehicular lamp having improved light distribution
US20040257827A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-12-23 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd Vehicular lamp and light source module
US20040264199A1 (en) 2003-06-30 2004-12-30 Kuo-Fen Shu LED spotlight (type III)
US20050073849A1 (en) * 2003-10-06 2005-04-07 Greg Rhoads Light source using light emitting diodes and an improved method of collecting the energy radiating from them
US20050190564A1 (en) * 2004-02-26 2005-09-01 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lamp

Patent Citations (43)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4577260A (en) * 1982-06-24 1986-03-18 Britax Vega Limited Vehicle lamp assemblies
US4767172A (en) * 1983-01-28 1988-08-30 Xerox Corporation Collector for an LED array
US4698730A (en) * 1986-08-01 1987-10-06 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Light-emitting diode
US4927248A (en) 1988-04-08 1990-05-22 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp lens having Fresnel lens
US4972302A (en) 1988-07-18 1990-11-20 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp having inner lens and reflector
US5081564A (en) 1989-07-11 1992-01-14 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lighting device
US5440456A (en) 1993-05-08 1995-08-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Headlight for vehicles
US6075652A (en) 1995-02-17 2000-06-13 Washi Kosan Co., Ltd. Convex-microgranular surface structure
US6327086B1 (en) 1996-07-09 2001-12-04 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Optical diffraction device and exposure apparatus
US5947587A (en) 1996-10-16 1999-09-07 U.S. Philips Corporation Signal lamp with LEDs
US6471375B2 (en) * 1997-05-14 2002-10-29 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Flood lamp with improved light energy utilization
US5757557A (en) * 1997-06-09 1998-05-26 Tir Technologies, Inc. Beam-forming lens with internal cavity that prevents front losses
US6334702B1 (en) 1997-08-11 2002-01-01 Valeo Vision Headlight with fixed and moveable coaxial reflectors for producing a variable beam
US6129447A (en) * 1998-01-29 2000-10-10 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Automobile lamp
US6352359B1 (en) 1998-08-25 2002-03-05 Physical Optics Corporation Vehicle light assembly including a diffuser surface structure
US6139147A (en) 1998-11-20 2000-10-31 Novartis Ag Actively controllable multifocal lens
US6292293B1 (en) 1999-06-25 2001-09-18 Raytheon Company Wide-angle infrared lens and detector with internal aperture stop and associated method
US6757109B2 (en) 1999-07-27 2004-06-29 Donnelly Corporation Plastic lens system for vehicle imaging system
US20020093820A1 (en) 1999-08-04 2002-07-18 Pederson John C. Led reflector
US6402355B1 (en) 1999-08-19 2002-06-11 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular headlamp having improved low-beam illumination
US6367954B1 (en) 1999-09-14 2002-04-09 Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Multi-lens projector lamp
US20020126400A1 (en) 1999-12-29 2002-09-12 Wemer Muller-Rissmann Optical arrangement
US6543923B2 (en) 2000-08-02 2003-04-08 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle lamp
US6726346B2 (en) 2000-08-07 2004-04-27 Cateye Co., Ltd. Headlight
US6536918B1 (en) 2000-08-23 2003-03-25 General Electric Company Lighting system for generating pre-determined beam-pattern
US6604843B2 (en) 2000-12-20 2003-08-12 Hyperboloid Corporation Searchlight with improved optical density
US20020080615A1 (en) * 2000-12-22 2002-06-27 Thomas Marshall LED collimation optics with improved performance and reduced size
US6626565B2 (en) 2001-01-16 2003-09-30 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicle headlamp
US20020136022A1 (en) 2001-01-22 2002-09-26 Ichikoh Industries, Ltd. Lamp device for vehicle
US6616299B2 (en) 2001-02-02 2003-09-09 Gelcore Llc Single optical element LED signal
US20030123159A1 (en) 2001-03-09 2003-07-03 Masayuki Morita Diffraction lens element and lighting system using the lens element
US6814480B2 (en) 2001-08-15 2004-11-09 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. LED-type vehicular lamp having improved light distribution
US6814475B2 (en) 2001-09-19 2004-11-09 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Led-type vehicular lamp having uniform brightness
US20030067784A1 (en) 2001-10-05 2003-04-10 Schefenacker Visions Systems Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg Reflector for a light assembly, such as a taillight, a headlight, or an interior light, of a motor vehicle
US20030218882A1 (en) 2002-04-18 2003-11-27 Wirth Hans Joachim Lighting device for motor vehicles
US6986594B2 (en) * 2002-04-18 2006-01-17 Valeo Wischersystem Gmbh Lighting device for motor vehicles
US6724543B1 (en) * 2002-10-23 2004-04-20 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Light collection assembly having mixed conic shapes for use with various light emitting sources
US20040130904A1 (en) 2002-10-24 2004-07-08 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular marker lamp
US20040145899A1 (en) 2003-01-28 2004-07-29 Riebling Michael L. In-grade light fixture with hydraulic isolation
US20040257827A1 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-12-23 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd Vehicular lamp and light source module
US20040264199A1 (en) 2003-06-30 2004-12-30 Kuo-Fen Shu LED spotlight (type III)
US20050073849A1 (en) * 2003-10-06 2005-04-07 Greg Rhoads Light source using light emitting diodes and an improved method of collecting the energy radiating from them
US20050190564A1 (en) * 2004-02-26 2005-09-01 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lamp

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8764198B2 (en) * 2008-04-29 2014-07-01 Himax Display, Inc. Projection system having rotationally asymmetrical illumination unit for emitting light along optic axis
US20090268166A1 (en) * 2008-04-29 2009-10-29 Himax Display, Inc. Projection system
US20100079980A1 (en) * 2008-10-01 2010-04-01 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Planar light source device and display apparatus incorporating same
US9182538B2 (en) 2008-10-01 2015-11-10 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Planar light source device and display apparatus incorporating same
US8235556B2 (en) * 2008-10-20 2012-08-07 Reflexite Corporation Condensing element, array, and methods thereof
US20100097809A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2010-04-22 Reflexite Corporation Condensing element, array, and methods thereof
US20100124055A1 (en) * 2008-11-18 2010-05-20 Reflexite Corporation Side-emitting optical elements and methods thereof
US8662716B2 (en) * 2008-11-18 2014-03-04 Orafol Americas Inc. Side-emitting optical elements and methods thereof
US20110273882A1 (en) * 2010-05-10 2011-11-10 Cree, Inc. Optical element for a light source and lighting system using same
US9157602B2 (en) * 2010-05-10 2015-10-13 Cree, Inc. Optical element for a light source and lighting system using same
US8579485B2 (en) * 2010-06-01 2013-11-12 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lamp
US20110292670A1 (en) * 2010-06-01 2011-12-01 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vehicular lamp
US20120069576A1 (en) * 2010-09-17 2012-03-22 Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc. Lens and light source module
DE102010054923A1 (en) 2010-12-17 2012-06-21 Volkswagen Ag Lighting device e.g. tail lamp, for vehicle to emit light in vehicle traveling direction, has surface light conductor coupled to light source such that light emitted from light source is diffused to provide interior lighting function
US20120224367A1 (en) * 2011-03-03 2012-09-06 Tetsuo Ariyoshi Light diffusion lenses and lighting fixtures having the same
US8641231B2 (en) * 2011-03-03 2014-02-04 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Light diffusion lenses and lighting fixtures having the same
CN102788300A (en) * 2011-05-20 2012-11-21 现代摩比斯株式会社 Vehicle lamp
US20140226354A1 (en) * 2013-02-12 2014-08-14 Hella Kgaa Optical system for an illumination device for vehicles
US9435504B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2016-09-06 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Apparatus for radiating light from a virtual source
RU2654182C2 (en) * 2013-10-30 2018-05-16 ФОРД ГЛОУБАЛ ТЕКНОЛОДЖИЗ, ЭлЭлСи Apparatus for radiating light from virtual source
US9759402B2 (en) * 2014-10-06 2017-09-12 Amerlux Llc Optical system
US10677415B1 (en) 2014-10-06 2020-06-09 Amerlux Llc Optical system
US10619829B2 (en) * 2017-07-10 2020-04-14 Current Lighting Soutions, Llc Replaceable LED light source for an LED traffic signal application

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20060209558A1 (en) 2006-09-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7465075B2 (en) Lens assembly for an automobile light assembly having LED light source
US7401948B2 (en) Near field lens having reduced size
US7275849B2 (en) LED replacement bulb
US7207700B2 (en) Near field lens with spread characteristics
US7489453B2 (en) Side emitting near field lens
US10689655B2 (en) Off-axis collimation optics
US7160010B1 (en) Light manifold for automotive light module
US7461960B2 (en) LED illumination module
US6724543B1 (en) Light collection assembly having mixed conic shapes for use with various light emitting sources
JP5393018B2 (en) High efficiency LED optical device for automobile
US8591077B2 (en) Lens and lighting fixture utilizing the same
US6850095B2 (en) Projector optic assembly
US7438454B2 (en) Light assembly for automotive lighting applications
US7168839B2 (en) LED bulb
JP5469597B2 (en) LED brightness enhancement via specular retroreflection, including collimator to avoid etendue restrictions
US8727573B2 (en) Device and apparatus for efficient collection and re-direction of emitted radiation
EP2959214B1 (en) An arrangement comprising an optical device and a reflector
US10451776B2 (en) Optical beam shaping device and spot light using the same
US20110194295A1 (en) Light repositioning optics
JP2012527072A (en) Reflector assembly and beamforming
US10794565B2 (en) Dielectric collimator with a rejecting center lens
JP2009245601A (en) Lighting fixture
KR101031959B1 (en) Illumination optical system
US20150099940A1 (en) Luminaire with tir reflector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHINNIAH, JEYACHANDRABOSE;ERION, JEFFREY ALLEN;EICHELBERGER, CHRISTOPHER L.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016406/0723

Effective date: 20050316

AS Assignment

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020497/0733

Effective date: 20060613

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

AS Assignment

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, TEXAS

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022368/0001

Effective date: 20060814

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,TEXAS

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022368/0001

Effective date: 20060814

AS Assignment

Owner name: WILMINGTON TRUST FSB, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, MIN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:022575/0186

Effective date: 20090415

Owner name: WILMINGTON TRUST FSB, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,MINN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:022575/0186

Effective date: 20090415

AS Assignment

Owner name: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF PATENT SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:022974/0057

Effective date: 20090715

AS Assignment

Owner name: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT REEL 022974 FRAME 0057;ASSIGNOR:THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON;REEL/FRAME:025095/0711

Effective date: 20101001

AS Assignment

Owner name: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT REEL 022575 FRAME 0186;ASSIGNOR:WILMINGTON TRUST FSB, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:025105/0201

Effective date: 20101001

AS Assignment

Owner name: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC., AS AGENT, NEW

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:VISTEON CORPORATION;VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC;VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:025241/0317

Effective date: 20101007

Owner name: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC., AS AGENT, NEW

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT (REVOLVER);ASSIGNORS:VISTEON CORPORATION;VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC;VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:025238/0298

Effective date: 20101001

AS Assignment

Owner name: VISTEON EUROPEAN HOLDING, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

Owner name: VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

Owner name: VISTEON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

Owner name: VISTEON GLOBAL TREASURY, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

Owner name: VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC, MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

Owner name: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

Owner name: VISTEON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, INC.,

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

Owner name: VISTEON CORPORATION, MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

Owner name: VISTEON SYSTEMS, LLC, MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY AGAINST SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS ON REEL 025241 FRAME 0317;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026178/0412

Effective date: 20110406

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: VARROCCORP HOLDING BV, NETHERLANDS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:028959/0361

Effective date: 20120801

Owner name: VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O., CZECH REPUBLIC

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:028959/0361

Effective date: 20120801

Owner name: VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED, INDIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:028959/0361

Effective date: 20120801

AS Assignment

Owner name: VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O., CZECH REPUBLIC

Free format text: AMENDMENT TO ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031332/0855

Effective date: 20130630

Owner name: VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED, INDIA

Free format text: AMENDMENT TO ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031332/0855

Effective date: 20130630

Owner name: VARROCCORP HOLDING BV, NETHERLANDS

Free format text: AMENDMENT TO ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031332/0855

Effective date: 20130630

AS Assignment

Owner name: VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O., CZECH REPUBLIC

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VARROCCORP HOLDING BV;VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:031719/0045

Effective date: 20131101

AS Assignment

Owner name: VISTEON ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

Owner name: VISTEON SYSTEMS, LLC, MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

Owner name: VISTEON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

Owner name: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

Owner name: VC AVIATION SERVICES, LLC, MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

Owner name: VISTEON GLOBAL TREASURY, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

Owner name: VISTEON EUROPEAN HOLDINGS, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

Owner name: VISTEON CORPORATION, MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

Owner name: VISTEON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, INC.,

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:033107/0717

Effective date: 20140409

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20201216